CH 1-10

Summary

Sloane Heathrow thought the deal was over. She was wrong. After her sudden disappearance, Sloane finds herself caught between two powerful brothers who know exactly what the three CEOs are hiding—and exactly why Sloane matters. They offer her the same familiar number: one million dollars. This time, not for her body… but for her skills. Pulled between two dark worlds full of money, crime, and temptation, Sloane must decide which men to trust—and which ones to destroy. Because every choice has a price.

This is the sequel to The Million Dollar Virgin

Chapter 1

I didn’t scream.

I should have.

Instead, I spat.

Right in his face.

Because that’s the logical thing to do, right? Spit on the face of your captor?

Saliva slid down his cheek slowly, and down his perfectly chiseled jaw. I thought he might pull out a gun or shank me. Slap me. Punch me. Strangle the life out of me.

Instead, he smiled. He seemed…fine. Completely composed.

“Not a talker,” he said flatly.

My wrists burned behind me, the rope tugging at my skin. “Go to hell,” I grunted.

“Eventually,” he chuckled. “But not yet.”

He leaned forward. God, he was a sight to see. Even with the whole kidnapping-me-from-my-bed thing. His thick black hair was a stark contrast to his bright blue eyes. He had full lips that seemed to be formed into a permanent straight line—his expression unreadable. I hated to admit it, but he looked like a model.

“I want to discuss a matter with you,” he said. “Nothing else.”

I laughed. “Get fucked.”

He reached behind me and, without warning, loosened the ropes. They fell away. I stiffened.

What did he plan to do next? Would I be the star of the next Netflix documentary? The next face plastered all over social media? Would he bury me in a ditch or just chop me into pieces and throw me into the river?

He stood slowly, wiping his face with the back of his hand.

“I need your skills,” he continued, as if he hadn’t just captured me and locked me in a basement. “Nothing else.”

I rubbed my sore wrists, my heart slamming against my chest. “You think I’m just going to help you?”

“No,” he said. “I think you’ll need some persuading.”

I snorted in disgust. “And if I don’t agree to help you?”

He shrugged. “Then you’ll still be here tomorrow. And the next. And the next.”

I sprang to my feet, as if I was somehow going to make a run for it. But he didn’t move to stop me. Instead, he stood to his feet and sighed.

“There’s no point in running, Sloane,” he said, glancing down at the watch on his wrist. “You won’t make it far.”

“Watch me.” I glared at him.

He stepped back, waving toward the staircase behind him. “Go for it, then. I’ll be upstairs. When you’re done trying to escape and you’re ready to talk, find the nearest staff member. They’ll help you find me.”

Then he turned and walked away, leaving me alone and with zero answers. I stood there for what seemed like an eternity, my breath rapid and shallow. Then I took a deep breath and willed myself to move. And I did.

I made my way up the stairs. The door opened into something… unreal. Tall ceilings and marble floors. Art that looked like it belonged behind security glass.

I wandered, passing wide hallways and oversized rooms. My movements were silent thanks to my bare feet.

To my surprise, no one stopped me. It was as if the house were totally vacant. But then I heard muffled voices in the distance. I froze and peered around a corner into a grand kitchen. It was like one of those kitchens on cooking shows.

Silver pans hanging over an island counter, random floral shit in every corner. A massive oven that could bake enough pies to feed a small village in one go.

There was an older gray-haired woman dressed in a maid’s outfit. She was chatting with another younger woman in a similar uniform.

“I am telling you—when you make the pasta, you must add the truffle at the table. Shave it right on top, before they eat it,” she said sternly to the younger woman. I immediately backed up and turned, heading in the opposite direction.

I found glass doors at the back of the house and gently pried one open. Then I slipped into the cool night air. The garden stretched far and long, flooded with hedges, paths, fountains, and fairy lights.

“This looks like fucking Bridgerton,” I whispered under my breath. “Where the hell am I?”

My eyes scanned the perimeter. I saw a gate at the end of the garden, leading to some acreage behind it.

Freedom… maybe.

I could feel my heart thudding madly against my chest as twigs snapped under my bare feet. Sharp rocks bit at my toes. There was no time to think or plan. So I just moved like a madwoman. My breathing grew heavy as I sprinted forward, turned down a stone path, and rounded a corner—

And ran straight into something solid. Someone’s hard and rather muscular chest, to be precise. Strong hands caught my arms before I could fall backward.

“Easy there,” a voice said. Then he chuckled. It sounded musical. How ironic, given the situation.

I looked up.

Dark brown hair. Perfect Colgate smile. Bright hazel eyes.

He looked at me like this was exactly where he expected me to be. As if he had been waiting. He was not the same man from the basement… he was someone new.

“Well,” he said, his voice laced with amusement. “You must be Sloane.”

My heart slammed into my ribs, my body shaking.

“And you,” he added, gazing past me toward the mansion, “are already causing trouble.”

He turned back to me and grinned widely, his eyes lighting up. Dammit, he was beautiful.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“Just call me Knox,” he said. “I’m the brother of the guy you met in the basement.”

“And who is he?” I asked.

“Just call him Rowe,” he said with a smirk.

“Great introduction—now let go of me, you psychopath,” I hissed, taking a few steps back.

“This is going to be fun,” he laughed. Then he tugged gently on my arm, leading me back toward my prison.

---

I sat stiffly in the chair, arms crossed, as I glared at them. Both Knox and Rowe sat on the other side of a long dinner table.

Knox leaned back in his chair like he was enjoying a dinner party instead of holding me captive against my will. He smiled effortlessly, as if this was all hilarious to him.

Rowe sat silently, his arms folded neatly on top of the table.

A maid stepped forward and placed a plate in front of me.

A steaming pile of pasta stared back at me. She reached forward and held up some sort of dark mushroom and shaver. She leaned forward and shaved bits of the mushroom over the top of the pasta.

I squinted at it. “What is that?”

The maid paused mid-motion. She blinked at me in confusion, as if everyone knew what the fuck that was.

“Truffle,” she said slowly, then shaved a few more thin curls onto my pasta.

“I’d rather eat dirt,” I hissed at her. Her eyes widened, and she backed away from me.

Knox snorted. “You might be surprised. Just try it.”

“No,” I snapped. “You probably poisoned it.”

Rowe didn’t even look at me when he spoke. “Eat.”

I laughed darkly. “Choke on your dinner. Slowly.”

Knox smirked. “I like her.”

Rowe finally lifted his gaze to me. His eyes were steady. Unamused.

“You’re not here because we want to hurt you,” Rowe said. “You’re here because three men decided to use you.”

I scoffed. “They paid me. For the sex and to do my job. That’s not the same thing.”

Rowe didn’t react. “Money is how it starts. When that stops working, they use force.”

“You don’t know anything,” I snapped.

Knox didn’t even look up as he twirled pasta around his fork. “We know their company is a cover.”

I turned to him. “What does that mean?”

“It means cybersecurity is the cover,” he said. “Cybercrime is the product.”

Rowe took over smoothly. “They erase digital footprints and make problems disappear.”

My stomach tightened, but I stayed silent.

“And when erasing isn’t enough,” Knox added, leaning forward, “they connect people who shouldn’t be able to find each other.”

I swallowed. “You mean…”

“Criminals,” he said.

I sucked in.

“They’ve been doing it for years,” Rowe said. “And they’re very good at it.”

“You’re full of shit,” I snorted.

“They vetted you,” Rowe replied calmly.

His words hit me hard, and I felt a wave of nausea forming.

“When you first started your job in tech support. When you started poking around places you weren’t supposed to,” he paused. “You were hard to track. That impressed them.”

My chest tightened. “The ad—”

“A coincidence,” Rowe said. “They never expected you to apply. That was all to amuse themselves.”

“So when they chose me…” I trailed off.

“They already knew who you were,” he said. “They were planning to move you up at BD Systems anyway. New title. New salary. They needed you close.”

Knox set his fork down. “Because they almost had a breach. Someone nearly cracked their system. They needed fresh code. A fresh mind.”

“To protect it,” Rowe said. “Because if it’s exposed—”

“Politicians. Criminals. Everyone,” Knox finished. “All out in the open.”

Silence stretched between us.

“We want you to break the system,” Knox said. “Not protect it. You already cracked their protection software at BD Systems, which means you are also capable of cracking the code they use to run their underground organization.”

I stared at my untouched plate.

“You should eat,” Rowe said lightly.

“We will pay you,” Knox added. “Another one million.”

I looked up. “I’m not helping you.”

Knox smiled. “We’ll see.”

Chapter 2

“Sloane, I need you to text your boss,” Rowe said flatly. “Tell him you’re not coming in for a few days. You’re sick.”

My eyes darted up to meet his. “No.”

He sighed, as if he was annoyed, before pulling a cell phone from his pocket. It was mine. He slid it toward me.

I stared down at it like it was on fire.

“Come on, darling,” Knox smiled. “Once we sort this, you’ll go home safely. Just comply.”

I sighed and reached for the phone, sending the text.

I won’t be at work for a few days. Got the flu. Chat soon.

My finger barely tapped send before my phone was snatched out of my hand again. Rowe placed it in his pocket before standing to his feet. The maid was there in a flash, carrying away his plate.

Then I heard it. My phone was ringing. Rowe looked down at the screen and smiled.

“I don’t think he liked your text,” he chuckled. He turned to show me the name on the screen.

It was Mr. Drake.

Knox grinned. “Now, that is funny. He doesn’t like being told no. He never has.”

I was also shocked that he was bothering to call me just because I had told him I was sick.

“Wait a second,” I said, jumping to my feet. “Who the fuck are you two anyway? How do you know Adrian Drake?”

The two of them looked at one another for a moment before Rowe turned to look at me. “We just do. That’s not relevant.”

The maid, Martha, reappeared like magic next to me, a bag in her hands. She held it out to me. “Here you are, ma’am. A clean set of night clothing and some toiletries. Your closet is also fully stocked.”

I snatched the bag from her hands and threw it to the ground. She jumped back slightly.

“Now, Sloane,” Knox said, shaking his head. “Be nice to Martha. She is just doing her job. We told you—once you agree to help, you can go.”

“Fine,” I said, throwing my hands up. “I agree. Now let me go.”

Rowe’s expression darkened. “No.”

“What the fuck—” I yelled, stepping forward.

“A contract,” Rowe said slowly. “I drafted one. You sign it—then we let you go.”

I laughed in exasperation. “A contract like that can’t be legal.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Knox chuckled. “It’s a contract for you to work for us. To help us write code. It doesn’t mention how we plan to use it.”

“Wouldn’t you assholes just kill me if I didn’t fulfill the contract?” I snorted. “Why the formality?”

“We would rather not kill you,” Rowe said coldly.

I turned to him. His expression was unreadable. Icy. It sent chills down my spine.

“Have a good sleep and think about it,” Knox smiled warmly. “You’re far too pretty to hurt.”

And just like that, they were gone.

---

I blinked.

Where the hell was I?

Then I remembered. I’d been kidnapped.

Great. Fantastic.

I sat up and peered around. I’d fallen asleep after Martha showed me to my “guest” room. Tall windows stretched high next to my bed. I stood and opened the thick curtains that had blocked the morning sun.

I squinted and groaned as the sun smashed into my face. I stumbled around the room and found the closet. I opened it and found a white sundress, bra, panties, and sandals. Then I slipped into the adjoining bathroom and had a quick shower.

I emerged, wrapped a towel around me, and brushed at the knots that had formed in my curls. I opened the drawers around me, digging around.

It was fully stocked, as if they had predicted my arrival. Curl creams. Contact lens solution… and a box of my contact lenses. From my apartment.

What in the fuck?

I popped in the contacts after pulling out the ones that had dried overnight in my eyes while I slept. Then I moisturized and finished brushing my curls.

I slipped on the dress and sandals and made my way out of the room. Of course, the room didn’t lock from the inside—I had discovered that last night.

Bastards.

I cracked the door open and tiptoed into the hall. I wasn’t sure where I was going. I wandered for a while until I spotted a door that was slightly ajar.

I told myself to turn back, but I heard muffled voices. They weren’t loud or angry. They sounded pleasantly normal. I crept toward it and peered through the crack.

Inside, a man was kneeling.

Sweat was dripping down his face. He looked terrified. His hands were clasped together in front of him, his knuckles white. He wore a wrinkled suit, as if he’d slept in it.

Two men stood in front of him. It wasn’t Knox or Rowe, but they had the same sort of aura about them. Both were dressed in tailored suits. One leaned against the desk, scrolling through his phone aimlessly. The other sat casually in a chair, sipping something from a coffee mug.

“You took something that did not belong to you,” the man with the phone said, not looking away from his screen.

The man on his knees shook his head. “I admit it. I fucked up. Come on, man.”

The one with the coffee sighed as if he was annoyed. “Don’t beg. It’s pathetic.”

“I can fix it,” the man pleaded.

“Too late,” the man with the phone said, finally looking up.

The man on the ground began sobbing.

I stepped back before I could see what came next. My pulse was roaring in my ears. I turned down the hall and froze.

Rowe stood at the end of the hall, watching me with that same intense stare.

I swallowed. “You’re mobsters.”

His expression remained unchanged. “We’re professionals.”

“And that man back there—”

“Mind your business, Sloane,” he said.

Then I heard it. The man in the room let out a blood-curdling scream.

Rowe waved me away in the opposite direction.

“Breakfast is waiting,” he said, walking around me and into the room. He shut the door firmly behind him.

---

When I made my way to the table, a heaping plate of bacon, eggs, and toast sat in the chair I had occupied the night before. Next to it was a small stack of stapled papers.

Knox was already seated in front of a plate of… well, I wasn’t sure. I sat down in my chair and cocked an eyebrow at his dish.

He smiled. “It’s whitefish mousse.”

“Right,” I said, reaching for a fork.

“I asked Martha to make you a breakfast that was more…” He waved at my plate.

“Common? A bit more poor?” I snorted before shoveling eggs into my mouth. I was starving after missing dinner the night before.

“Sure,” he laughed. “Hey, I’m not judging. I wasn’t born rich.”

I tilted my head at him. “Really? This place screams generational wealth.”

“I’m adopted,” he smiled, his eyes brightening like they always did. “I joined the family when I was twelve.”

Before I could ask any more questions, a voice interrupted us.

“Did you sign it?”

I turned to see Rowe standing there, his eyes on the stack of papers next to me. My eyes scanned him from head to toe, landing on his knuckles.

A small splatter of blood was on the top of one knuckle. His gaze followed mine, and he quickly covered it with his other hand.

“I haven’t read it yet,” I admitted. “I was starving.”

“Eat,” he said. “Then meet me in my office.”

He turned and left.

“You get used to it,” Knox grinned at me. “He can be dramatic.”

---

“Are you signing it?” he asked. We were sitting in Rowe’s office, the contract on his desk between us. His desk was massive, carved from dark oak. Tall windows sat behind him, draped with red and gold curtains. It was traditional, with an old-money feel.

I crossed my arms. “Why bother with paper? I don’t have a choice.”

We sat in silence while he stared at me, his blue eyes slicing through my gaze like ice. For once, I had actually read the contract. I’d gone through it after I had finished my breakfast.

“If you don’t sign,” he said flatly, “you stay here.”

I swallowed. “And if I sign?”

“You go home,” he said simply. “You do what we ask, when we ask. You’re paid one million dollars. And nothing happens to you.”

I glanced at the contract. “No.”

The money would be nice but the man had literally kidnapped me.

Rowe stood and slowly rounded the desk until he was close enough that I could smell his cologne. Heavy and expensive. I could feel the warmth radiating from his body, and I hated to admit it. But my pussy betrayed me. Because Goddamnit, he was sexy.

My eyes flicked upward, traveling up his white button-up shirt and stopping at the top. I could see a tattoo peeking out where he had left a couple of buttons undone.

“Let’s not play silly games, Sloane,” he said quietly.

“You’re an asshole,” I muttered.

His mouth twitched. “So, I’m told.” Then he sat in the chair next to mine and turned to face me.

“I know exactly who you really are,” he said.

Chapter 3

“You uncover dark corners of the internet for fun,” Rowe said, his voice low. “You slept with three men because it thrilled you, not because you needed the money. That’s just what you told yourself.”

“You don’t—”

But he didn’t let me finish. His hand was on my knee. I swallowed hard. He shifted his hand upward, his fingers slipping under the hem of my sundress. His fingers felt warm and heavy against my skin.

My pussy throbbed. My panties grew wet. My body turned on me. His fingers were now moving gently up and down my inner thigh as he continued to speak.

“Your father is a criminal, so you are disgusted by this world,” he said gently. “You’re afraid to admit that the thought of it excites you. Turns you on.”

His eyes flickered downward and his hand moved to lift the hem of my dress slightly. Then his fingers returned to my inner thigh and began moving upward again. Toward my wet panties.

“You would do well in this world, Sloane,” he said, his voice rough. “Level-headed. Intelligent. But also willing to cross the line… because you want to cross the line.”

His fingers brushed against the outside of my panties. A shiver ran down my spine and my breath quickened.

“You would make an excellent partner.” He lifted the hem even further, now revealing my panties and fully exposing my thighs. “Imagine being at my side.”

I wanted him to take me. Right here. Right now.

“Cracking codes by day to get your thrills,” he reached up and tugged on the fabric at the top of my panties, “then getting fucked senseless at night.”

But somehow, I was able to move. To reach down and pull his hand away. I turned toward his desk and picked up a pen. Then signed.

Rowe stood, took the contract, glanced at the signature, and nodded.

“Good,” he said. “Now you can get to work.”

“You’re psychotic,” I hissed.

“You liked it,” he said flatly. His eyes followed me as I stood, turned, and left the room, slamming the door shut behind me.

---

It wasn’t until I had left and made my way back to my bedroom that I realized.

I hadn’t asked for my phone back. I hadn’t asked about transport so I could get home. My mind had been so scattered that I could only think about signing the contract and leaving. I groaned and flung myself onto the bed.

Now I would have to go back to his office.

A knock sounded on the door. I stood, sighed, and walked over to it, swinging it open.

It was Martha.

“Hello,” she said, her eyes narrowing at me. She hated me. I could see it.

“Yes?” I asked. “Are you here to give me my phone? And tell me how the hell I am getting out of here?”

“Your office has been set up,” she said. She sounded slightly… happy.

Bitch.

“What the actual fuck are you talking about, Martha?” I said, my voice rising. “I am leaving!”

She shrugged. “I can show you how to get to the office. Mr. Knox said he will meet you there.”

I groaned and followed her out.

Martha led me through the maze of halls in the mansion before leaving me outside a door in a new wing of the house. She smirked at me before turning and walking away.

I swung the door open. Knox was standing in an office next to a mahogany desk. Three monitors had been set up along the top, code already dancing across the screens. I marched over to him.

“I signed!” I screamed. “Why am I still here?”

Knox smiled and placed a large hand on my shoulder. I tried not to admire his perfect smile or the way his eyes lit up. Or the way his thick brown hair swept across his forehead.

“I know it is probably really frustrating, Sloane,” he said. “The feeling of not having control.”

“What?” I said, clenching my fists. “A deal is a deal, Knox.”

“He still doesn’t trust you,” he replied. “He wants you to do a bit of work first, and then you can go.”

“That bastard!” I screamed. “And after he came onto me!”

Knox chuckled. “Oh yeah, I think he might be slightly obsessed with you.”

I sat in the brown leather computer chair in front of the screen, smashing my hands onto the keyboard. Goddamnit, why was the chair so perfectly comfortable?

“I know it’s hard. You’ve been held against your will,” he said, now coming to stand next to me. “After the whole thing with the CEOs. Not knowing why they hired you. You wouldn’t feel like you’d ever had a choice.”

I didn’t like that. The way he spoke as if he knew me so well. As if I weren’t capable of control. He sighed. “There is still a lot to do.”

He knelt down in front of the desk and began rummaging through a drawer. “I took some notes not long ago. Let’s review them and see if they help.”

As he continued to rummage through the desk, I gently pushed my chair back. Then I did the unexpected.

I showed him that I could take control. Whenever I wanted to.

I pulled up the hem of my dress, now revealing my bare thighs. I spread my legs-just slightly-hoping he might see a bit of my panties. He was still turned away, finally pulling out a black notebook.

“This is the one—” he turned to look at me.

I sat there, batting my eyelids at him as he looked down.

His expression changed, his eyes staring between my legs.

“What’s wrong?” I asked innocently.

His expression moved from between my legs up to meet my gaze. “I know what you’re doing, Sloane. And as much as I would love to lick your clit and make you scream, my brother would kill me.”

I smiled sweetly. “I won’t tell.”

“Sloane,” he said, placing the book back into the drawer and shutting it. “You made your point.”

“Does your brother always get to decide who you fuck?” I tilted my head at him.

Something changed in his eyes. They were darker. Not so amused. He reached for the arms of the computer chair and pulled on them, bringing me closer to him. He was now between my legs.

He looked down between my thighs again. “I really can’t.”

“It’s our secret,” I said quietly. God, I was horny now. I was still wet from before. My pussy was throbbing. Begging for more than his tongue.

I wanted to be in control. I wanted him to lick me, do dirty things to me. Rowe had wanted to, but I wouldn’t let him. Instead, I would fuck his brother. I would show him who had the real power.

And I knew what I would do. I looked down and watched as his hands slid up my inner thighs, spreading my legs even farther apart. Then he froze. He was hesitating again.

He looked up at me, his hazel eyes full of hunger. “Don’t tell my brother.”

“What the fuck are you doing?” a voice said. Knox froze. Our heads snapped toward the voice.

Rowe.

I thought Knox would panic and immediately pull away. But instead, he stayed where he was, a smirk on his face.

“Just having some fun,” he shrugged, pulling the hem of my dress down to cover me.

Rowe’s face was dark. “This is a business transaction. Not fun and games.”

I stayed where I was, watching the two of them.

“She came onto me,” Knox chuckled, giving me a quick wink. “You’re telling me you wouldn’t give in?”

“Is that true?” Rowe asked.

“Is this a problem?” I said, keeping my voice calm and even. “I felt like having my pussy eaten. We’re adults. I asked, and he obliged.”

He stared back at me wordlessly, his expression flat.

“What?” I glared at him. “Are you angry I didn’t fuck you first? Even when you came onto me?”

I loved it. The way his face grew angry. I was close to cracking him.

“This is not what was in the transaction agreement. We—” he began.

“As if you didn’t already try to fuck me? Can you get out of here?” I hissed.

Knox leaned back and stood to his feet, looking down at me. “Sorry, Sloane. You heard the boss.”

“Your boss is a lying asshole who is only pissed because he didn’t get what he wanted,” I roared, before standing to my feet.

Rowe looked at Knox. “My office. Now.”

Then he turned and left, shutting the door firmly behind him.

Knox sighed. “I had better go and have a discussion with my big brother.”

Then his eyes trailed up the length of my body. “Sorry I missed out.”

I just shrugged as if I didn’t care-even though I did. Then I sat back down, turning to look at the computer screen.

I felt insane. I had never done anything like that before. I wasn’t sure what had come over me.

Then he left, shooting me a bright smile on his way out.

Chapter 4

What was happening to me?

I wanted to prove I was in control. And somehow, I had reverted to sex. Why?

I didn’t know. I had never done anything like that before. It wasn’t in my nature…or maybe it was.

Because I had to admit it—it had given me a thrill.

Rowe had triggered something inside me. The assumption in his eyes. The way he thought I would kneel before him and let him do whatever he wanted.

I hadn’t.

And I knew the moment with his brother would have infuriated him.

Good.

I leaned back and sighed, my eyes scanning the three glowing screens. I’d been in here since after breakfast. I hadn’t stopped to eat or even drink. Martha had dropped off lunch hours ago, but it still sat beside the computer, cold and untouched.

I’d poured all my energy into the code.

Knox knew a little about it. But not enough to matter. His notes confirmed that much. They needed someone who actually knew what they were doing.

They needed me.

I’d worked my way through the CEO’s personal accounts, searching for any thread that connected them to their underground digital network. I hadn’t gotten far, but maybe it would be enough.

Enough for Rowe to let me go.

The office door opened.

I looked up to find Martha peering inside.

“Dinner is ready,” she said flatly. Then she shut the door.

I sighed, pushed back from the desk, and stood. There was no point delaying it any longer. I headed for the dining room.

Knox strolled in. As usual, he was smiling like he didn’t have a care in the world. But something was different.

One of his eyes was swollen nearly shut, the skin around it red and puffy.

“Hey, Sloane,” he said as he slunk into the chair across from me. “How’d you go on the code?”

“I got a bit done,” I said cautiously. “I do want to apologize for this morning, I—”

“Don’t,” he cut in, smiling.

Then Rowe appeared, settling into the chair beside Knox. His large frame swallowed it whole. He didn’t speak—just nodded as Martha appeared and set a plate of food in front of him.

She placed another plate in front of Knox, then one in front of me.

A thin slab of pale pink fish glistened on the plate, dotted with something citrus-bright and unfamiliar. I had no clue what I was looking at.

“Bluefin otoro crudo with yuzu kosho and finger lime,” Knox said, selecting his fork.

I looked at him again, my eyes landing on his swollen eye.

“What happened to you?” I blurted.

Rowe didn’t react. He just kept eating.

“I ran into a door,” Knox replied, cutting off a small piece of fish.

I blinked. “A door did that?”

“A very aggressive door,” he laughed.

I glanced at Rowe. My stomach flipped.

Did he punch him?

Knox leaned forward, his voice low. “You should see the other guy.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You might be insane.”

He grinned. “You didn’t seem to mind this morning.”

Rowe’s fork froze midair. The pause was so brief I almost missed it. Then he resumed eating.

Heat crawled up my neck. What a mess I had made…

Rowe set his fork down and looked over at me, “Call your boss.”

I frowned. “What?”

“Adrian Drake,” he said flatly. “Call him. Now.”

My back stiffened. “Why?”

He took something from his pocket and held it out to me. It was my phone. Seven notifications appeared on my screen.

Three missed calls and two text messages from Adrian Drake. One text from Luca Hernandez. One from Axel Lockridge.

I felt nauseous.

“Adrian tried to find you,” Rowe said.

I looked up. “Like…track me?”

“Yes.”

I sighed. “That would never work.”

Rowe’s brow lifted slightly. “Oh? Why’s that?” Something about his face told me that he already knew.

“My phone’s been locked down for years,” I said with a shrug, “Safety precaution.”

“For what?” Knox asked.

“The dark web,” I said simply.

“I’m on it all the time. I don’t want a psycho…” I gave Rowe a pointed look. “just showing up at my front door.”

Rowe studied me for a long moment. Then he… laughed. I almost fainted from shock. The man could laugh?

“Well,” he said, leaning back in his chair, “that’s rather annoying for Adrian.”

Rowe seemed pleased at the thought. He slid the phone towards me. I hesitated, then took it. I unlocked my phone and brought it to my ear. It rang once.

“Sloane,” Adrian said.

No greeting. No hesitation.

My chest tightened. “Adrian.”

Then a long pause.

“Are you pretending to be sick to avoid me?” he asked bluntly.

I forced out a soft cough. Then another, but much rougher this time.

“No,” I said, forcing my voice to drop low, “I’m not pretending.”

Silence.

Rowe was studying me intently. Knox was still taking bites of fish, a smile on his face.

“You were fine last night,” he said coolly.

Images of the night before flooded my mind. His hands, his mouth…

“I woke up feeling like shit,” I croaked.

“You didn’t answer my calls,” he said.

“I was asleep.”

His breath came through the line, slow and controlled. “You should have sent a text to let me know that you were ok.”

“Sorry,” I said, my hand gripping the phone tightly.

“You disappear after a night like that,” he continued, “and you expect me not to ask questions?”

I fell silent, unsure of what to say next.

“Are you alone?” he asked.

I looked at Rowe. He made a motion at me, as if he were telling me to end the call.

“Yes,” I said quickly.

Another pause.

“You don’t sound well,” he said finally. “Get some rest and come back when you’re ready. But don’t try and milk your sick days Miss Heathrow, there is a lot of work to be done.”

He hung up without saying goodbye.

I lowered the phone slowly.

“I’ll respond to the other two,” Rowe said, snatching the phone from my hand before I could even read them. “Adrian will put them at ease as well.”

He locked my screen and looked at me, “You’ll be back on the code tomorrow.”

I folded my arms and grunted, “And after that?”

“If you’re useful,” he said slowly, “I may consider letting you go the following day.”

May.

I snorted. “That’s generous of you.”

Rowe ignored my rude tone. “Tomorrow evening will be… occupied. There’s a dinner party. People coming and going. You won’t be needed for work then. But you will be expected to attend.”

I stared at him in disbelief.

“Martha has already handled your clothing,” he continued.

I didn’t say anything. If I did, I was scared I would stab him with the knife next to me and shove this weird fish down his throat.

Rowe watched my face closely, “You don’t have to like it. You just have to behave.”

That did it. I stood to my feet and turned without a word. I headed for the stairs and made my way to my bedroom.

I didn’t look back.

---

The next day I was back in the office.

I’d spent the day desperately working away at the code. I groaned, laying my head in my hands. This code was not like the security codes I cracked at BD Systems. Oh no. This was far more complex.

I had yet to find their signatures anywhere in it. I just needed something-anything-to give to Rowe, so he would let me go.

I left the office and headed back to my room, making my way to the closet. I hadn’t seen either brother all day. In fact, I had done everything possible to avoid them. Martha had come to warn me a couple of hours ago that the party was about to start. I had ignored her.

But I could hear noise in the distance, in other areas of the house. Music and occasional laughter.

I made my way to my window and peered outside. Cars lined the various driveways and some had parked up the length of the long driveway as well.

“Holy fuck,” I whistled.

While some cars were fairly standard, there was an astronomically high number of luxury cars. BMWs. Mercedes. Men and women wearing tailored suits and ballgowns loitered outside the entrance, glasses of champagne and mixed cocktails in their hands.

I heard a knock on the door and sighed, “Yes?”

Fuck. Martha again.

She glared at me. Yup-she still despised me.

“You missed the dinner,” she said, placing her hands on her hips. “Mr Rowe is not happy.”

“Tell him to go fuck himself,” I said sternly.

That’s when she stepped inside and shut the door. I cocked an eyebrow at her.

“Look,” she sighed. “I know the circumstances of you being here are not great. But you are making my job hard for me.”

“Right,” I spat. “You mean the kidnapping part?”

She nodded, “I am just doing my job. It has fed my family and put two sons through college.”

I stepped close to her and tilted my head, “How much blood is on your hands Martha?”

She didn’t answer, she just stared back. I sighed and walked over to the closet and pulled out a long green gown. It had strappy silver sleeves made of rhinestones. Te fabric was silky and light.

“He had it made for you,” she said walking over to look at it. “Mr Rowe.”

Really?

She pulled a small box from the closet and opened it, revealing a small white bikini, “The pool is accessible once the cocktails are done.”

I looked at her for a moment, “Alright Martha, you win this one.”

She smiled, wide and bright, “I’ll help you do your hair.”

Chapter 5

Martha had swept my hair up and away from my face, neat and elegant. She’d also managed to find a pair of rhinestone earrings and strappy beige heels.

I stepped out of my room and followed the sound of music, the green silk of my gown catching the light as I moved.

The noise grew louder as I walked through the halls until the doors led me into the back courtyard.

Lights were strung overhead, reflecting off crystal glasses and vases. Long tables were piled with food as servers weaved through the crowd with trays of drinks. There were people everywhere.

Men wore tailored suits, heavy rings, and expensive watches. Many had tattoos that climbed up their necks or along their fingers. The women were dressed in luxury gowns and expensive jewellery.

I scanned the crowd and spotted Knox near the far side. I headed toward him, maneuvering between bodies. As I passed, several men looked me up and down, even some with women on their arms. It unsettled me how they did so without shame.

I was only a few steps from Knox when someone moved into my path.

Rowe.

“You’re late,” he said flatly, his eyes travelling slowly up and down my body. He held a short glass full of whiskey and ice in one hand.

I stopped mid-stride and looked up at him. I hated how my body still reacted to him. Damn it, he was attractive in his tailored suit and polished leather shoes. In the darkness, his bright blue eyes seemed even more piercing.

He continued, “This isn’t the kind of evening where timing is flexible.”

A server passed beside us. I reached out and grabbed two glasses of champagne, causing the tray to wobble slightly.

“Careful,” the server said, quickly balancing it.

I chugged one glass in a single swallow and put it back on the tray.

Rowe’s expression darkened. “Slow down, Sloane.”

I ignored him and took a sip from the second glass.

He leaned in, his voice low. “You are to stay within eyesight of me or Knox at all times.”

I rolled my eyes. “Why?”

“Because this isn’t a crowd you understand,” he said quietly. His eyes held mine for a moment. “At least not yet.”

My fingers tightened around the glass as I glared back at him.

“Don’t bother asking anyone here for help escaping,” he added with a smirk. “They’d laugh in your face.”

Somehow, I knew he was right. The bastard.

Before I could respond, a woman appeared at his side.

She was stunning, with perfect blonde hair, flawless makeup, and a fitted red dress. She slid her arm through Rowe’s and looked me over like I was gum under her heel.

“And who are you?” she asked, her tone clearly marking territory.

I took another sip of champagne and waved at the nearest server. “Sloane,” I replied quickly as a server appeared.

“Whiskey on the rocks, please,” I said, chugging the remaining champagne and putting the glass back on the tray. The server nodded and walked away. I looked back at the blonde woman.

Her lips were set in a firm line. “Tara. Rowe’s girlfriend.”

Girlfriend?

I stared at him.

Rowe didn’t react. Didn’t deny it. Instead, he said, “I told you to slow down.”

Tara tightened her grip on his arm and turned him away. “Come on,” she said. “Everyone is looking for you, babe.”

He went with her without looking back.

I stood there for a moment and then laughed. It must have sounded hysterical, because a few people shot confused looks in my direction. Then I walked toward Knox again.

He stood near a long table crowded with desserts, a tall, foaming beer in his hand. He was mid-conversation with two men. When he saw me, his smile widened and he waved.

“There you are,” he said.

He was wearing a soft charcoal linen blazer over a pale blue shirt, the top buttons undone. Despite the designer clothing, he somehow still managed to look casual. His sleeves were pushed up enough to reveal a silver watch with a Rolex symbol on it.

He gestured to the men beside him. “This is Jeff and Sam.”

“Nice to meet you,” Jeff said, shaking my hand.

Sam smiled slowly as he reached for my hand. “Wow.”

He held on a second too long, pulling me forward slightly and leaning in. “You’re breathtaking.”

Before I could react, Knox stepped forward and broke Sam’s grip. His expression was dark, one I hadn’t seen before.

“That’s enough,” Knox said firmly.

Sam lifted his hands, laughing. “Hey, sorry. Didn’t know she was taken.”

Knox didn’t laugh back.

We stood in awkward silence until a server appeared with my whiskey. I took it from her hand and took a sip.

The night blurred by.

I soon felt the buzz of alcohol. I wasn’t exactly drunk, but I was feeling tipsy. I drifted from group to group, laughing too easily with total strangers.

More than once, I caught Rowe watching me from across the courtyard. His expression was watchful, his eyes following me. Knox watched too, but when our eyes met, he lifted his glass and waved.

Then the music cut off, and a sudden quiet fell over the crowd.

Knox appeared at my side. “Everyone is changing clothes and heading to the pool.”

I turned away and headed toward the mansion before I could think about it too much. I needed my swimsuit.

Knox fell into step beside me. “You’re not walking alone.”

I rolled my eyes.

“I was told not to let you wander,” he said.

We reached my room. I slipped inside and changed quickly, pulling on the white bikini Martha had left out. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I barely recognized the woman staring back. I had never worn a bikini before. Sure, I’d worn two-pieces, but this one was so tiny I wasn’t certain it would actually stay on.

I stepped back into the hall.

Knox stopped short. “Damn.”

I smirked. “Careful.”

“I mean it,” he said. “If anyone makes you uncomfortable tonight, you tell me.”

I nodded. Then we headed back out together.

The pool area was already packed. The music had restarted, lights shimmered above the water, and there were half-naked bodies everywhere. Everyone had changed into swimwear and was now lounging in the pool, jacuzzi, or at the surrounding tables.

“I’m going to change,” Knox said. “I’ll be right back.”

Then he disappeared into the crowd.

I drifted closer to the pool’s edge and looked around.

Then… I realized how far it sat from the courtyard.

Closer to the back acreage, where I had tried to run during my first escape.

My heart thundered in my chest.

Maybe I could…

“Hey. What are you doing all alone?”

Sam appeared beside me.

He wore swim trunks, his build broad and muscular, his eyes staring hard at my chest. Against my better judgment, I registered that he was kind of cute with his damp brown hair and brown eyes.

“I’m not alone,” I said quickly, my eyes flicking back to the acreage.

He smiled. “Could’ve fooled me.”

I stepped away. “I’m not interested.”

His eyes followed me as I moved off.

I spotted a thin break in the crowd and slipped through. I passed clusters of people before I finally broke free. I grinned, my eyes fixed on the darkness ahead.

Then… I ran for my life.

My breathing grew rapid, my pulse racing as I lunged forward and… stopped dead in my tracks.

A dark stone wall rose in front of me, invisible from a distance due to the darkness.

“Damn it,” I hissed, running my hands along the stone. I needed a door or a foothold.

“Where are you going?”

Sam’s voice came from behind me.

I turned. He was far too close. I stepped back, and my spine hit the wall. My heart slammed against my ribs.

“Relax,” he said, his voice slightly slurred.

He reached out, grabbed my hands, and pinned them to the stone. I winced as the stone scratched the skin on the tops of my hands and wrists.

“Let go,” I said sternly. I tried to tug free, but it was useless. My stomach dropped as I continued to struggle.

“I’m just having a little fun,” he chuckled. I could smell the beer on his breath.

“Let go of her. Now.”

Rowe’s voice cut through the night.

Sam released me immediately, stepping back as his smile vanished. “Easy. We were just talking.”

Rowe stood a few feet away, two unfamiliar men flanking him. His expression was unreadable.

“Sloane,” he said. “Leave.”

I didn’t hesitate. I just started to run.

Chapter 6

I ran, making a beeline for the pool. When I returned, I saw Knox. He walked quickly towards me, his expression angry.

“What the fuck, Sloane?” he hissed, tugging on my arm.

“I get it, ok?” I hissed back, pulling away.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and read a text message. “That bastard Sam. I’ll fucking kill him.” He turned to me. “Are you ok?”

I nodded. “I’m going to get a drink. You can watch, ok?”

He nodded, now tapping at his screen. He looked like a model in his swim trunks. All pure, lean muscle and flawless skin. It almost made me feel slightly better.

I made my way towards the furthest end of the pool, being sure to grab another whiskey on the way. I was standing in front of a large pool house when I felt a rough, heavy hand on my arm.

I turned to see Rowe, his eyes cloudy as he looked at me. “Pool house. Now.”

He pulled on my arm, and I looked up to see him nodding at Knox, as if he was letting him know that I was safe. He pulled me inside. A handful of people stood in the middle of a luxuriously decorated pool house. A few others were lying across designer leather couches, smoking joints and laughing.

A few turned and gave us curious looks as Rowe pulled on me and led me up a set of stairs.

“Let go!” I hissed.

He ignored me and continued to tug on me. We were soon inside a bedroom. He pulled me inside and shut the door behind us before locking it.

I peered around. A large bed sat in the middle of the room, covered in a mountain of silky blue pillows and bright white sheets. I saw a window with a dresser sitting in front of it. I walked over and looked down. I could see the party from here.

Then I felt warm, large hands on my waist. I jumped in surprise.

“I told you not to cause trouble, Sloane,” Rowe said in my ear.

I sucked in and tried to ignore my throbbing pussy as he gently dragged his fingers along the surface of my bare stomach.

“I didn’t,” I said firmly, pushing his hands off of me. But it didn’t last, because he simply placed them on my waist again. “He was the one who did the wrong thing.”

“And he is paying for it right now,” he said. I felt his mouth on my neck. Then he kissed the skin there before gently sucking on it.

I gasped, and without thinking, I pushed my ass backwards, against him.

“What do I need to do to make you learn your lesson, Sloane?” he said. His hand was now slipping into my bikini bottom.

I felt two of his fingers slide along my slick labia, and I inhaled sharply.

“What is happening to him?” I managed to stutter. “To Sam?”

“He’s learning not to touch what belongs to me,” he said, his voice low. He thrust his two fingers into my vagina, and I moaned. He began working his fingers in and out of me slowly as I let out a sigh of defeat.

“Y-you have a girlfriend,” I moaned, reaching for his wrist in order to stop his movements. His hand froze in place. “Are you trying to stop me?”

I nodded. “You have a girlfriend.”

“Does that matter?” he said, nipping at the bottom of my earlobe. “Or do you want to stop?”

I wasn’t sure what to do, so I just stayed in the same position. He chuckled and began his motions again. I moaned as I felt his other hand slip into my bikini bottom and find my clit. He began kneading small circles, and my back arched.

“Do you like that, Sloane?” he said in my ear. “Do you like it when I play with your pussy?”

I nodded, my breath rigid.

“Do you want my big cock, Sloane?” His mouth moved to my shoulder, and I felt him bite down. I loved the way it stung.

“We shouldn’t, you—” I began.

He laughed again and pushed me forward. I let out a surprised gasp, my hands landing on the dresser in front of me. I could see the partygoers below mingling and dancing.

“Can they see us?” I whispered into the darkness.

He pulled on my waist, causing me to take a couple of steps backwards, so I was fully bent over the dresser. He moved me into position so my back was arched and my ass was stuck outwards at him. I felt him pull on my bikini bottoms, and they fell to the ground.

Then, I felt his hands find my waist as I heard his swim trunks fall to the ground with a soft thud. Then he replied, “Does it matter, Sloane, if they can see us?”

I swallowed hard, my pussy aching for his dick. I felt him place the tip of it near my moist opening. I felt his fingers stroking my labia again. “God, you are so wet, Sloane. You’re ready for my cock, aren’t you?”

I nodded.

“Oh, come on, Sloane,” he teased, his fingers moving back to my swollen clit. “Try harder, sweetheart. Don’t you want it?”

“Yes,” I croaked.

Then I felt his warm cock beginning to slide into me. I hadn’t seen it before, but I could tell.

It was thick.

Then he pushed deep as he let out a groan. “You’re tight. Fuck.” He was stretching me slowly as he pushed inside. My hands gripped tightly to the dresser in front of me.

Then he pulled back and then went back in. In. Out. In. Out. I began moaning as he continued his movements. But he didn’t move fast. He continued slowly as his warm, hard dick filled me up, the pleasure spreading through me.

“I am savouring this moment,” his voice cut through the dark. “The moment I finally felt your pussy around my cock.”

I turned to look back. I could see the muscles of his abs rippling as he fucked me. God, he was hot.

He rocked in and out of me, his hands now on my ass. “You have such a thick ass. I want to see it bounce when I pound into you.”

The sounds of my moans were mixing with the sounds of the music from the pool below. Then his movements became faster. Harder. It caught me by surprise, and my hands slipped, landing against the window.

He stopped to grab my waist and pull me back into position.

“You can do better than that,” he said. “Now take my cock properly, Sloane.”

I gripped onto the dresser again, my cheek now resting along the top. He began again, the sound of our skin slapping together filled the air. He was stretching me in all the right ways and I was enjoying it. It felt too good to be real.

“God, look at that,” he moaned as my ass cheeks jiggled. “Fuck.”

I heard a sloshing sound as he continued to pound into me, as moisture poured from my opening. I loved the way his big dick felt inside of me.

He continued to fuck me against the dresser as I moaned. I could feel my pussy tightening around him. His dick was now pulsating.

“I want you to know what it would be like if you were mine,” he said between thrusts. I felt him take a fistful of my hair and grip it tightly. I winced at the pain, but I wanted it. I wanted him to fuck me until I came. I wanted every inch of him.

“I would fuck you like this every night,” he said as he tugged on my hair again.

Then I felt my pussy clench around his dick one last time as I came, the orgasm sending waves of intense pleasure through my body. I let out a long, deep moan as moisture poured from my opening. He continued his thrusts as I finished.

“Sloane,” he moaned. “God. What have you done to me?”

Then I felt him explode inside of me as his cum flooded my vagina. Warm and wet. He pushed in hard and deep, moaning as he finished. When he was done, he stayed inside of me and leaned forward, bringing his mouth to my ear. He let go of his grip on my hair.

“Now listen,” he said in a whisper. “When I tell you to do something, you will do it. Do you understand? I told you not to cause trouble, and you tried to run again.”

I nodded, my body still twitching from the orgasm.

“I can’t fuck this perfect little pussy if you run away, can I?” he whispered.

I shook my head. “No.”

“Exactly,” he replied. Then he pulled out of me and stepped back. I turned to face him.

“You have a girlfriend,” I said, tingles till radiating along my body as I spoke.

He didn’t respond. Instead, he picked up his swim trunks and put them back on before turning to the door. I sighed and reached down for my swim bottoms and put them on.

God damn it, why had I loved that? Every second of it?

“What happened?”

I turned to see Knox in the doorway, his expression confused.

“The problem has been taken care of,” Rowe said, turning to look at me. “And Sloane and I had a chat.”

Chapter 7

My body ached.

I had awoken to a sore vagina and a headache.

I was sitting in front of the screens in the office once again, desperate for anything that would satisfy Rowe.

My mind flashed back to last night. The way he had commanded me. Pulled my hair. I felt my core tighten, but tried to ignore it.

“Fuck,” I hissed under my breath. I took a large sip of the coffee Martha had brought me. She liked me a lot more now and had been sure to bring me one without me asking.

Just as I thought I might die from dehydration and alcohol poisoning, I saw it.

“No way,” I said under my breath.

I leaned forward, eyes squinting.

There it was.

A pattern that didn’t belong.

A recurring data handshake buried deep in a background process. Low-frequency, low-bandwidth, designed not to trigger alerts.

I pulled it up, isolating the signal.

I felt my pulse kick up.

“I found the way in,” I murmured.

I could enter the underground network. I couldn’t collapse and destroy it yet, but I was in.

But I didn’t feel excitement. No. Instead… I felt confusion. This might be enough to get me out of here. But if I gave them this information—

Luca. Axel.

Adrian…

I leaned back and sighed. What should I do?

“Hey, Sloane,” a voice said. I looked up to see Knox standing in front of the desk. He looked incredible in a fitted cashmere T-shirt and dark jeans. I frantically closed out of the screen.

“Hi,” I said quickly.

“Rowe texted your boss using your phone,” he said with a smile. “Told him you have pneumonia.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “So I am here longer?”

He nodded. “Sorry. He is usually a man of his word, I swear.”

“Great,” I sighed.

“How about a break?” he said gently.

“Where to?” I said, standing to stretch.

“You’ll see,” he smiled.

A few moments later, we were standing at the entrance of the mansion. One of the groundsmen was sitting on a motorcycle parked in front. He slid off and handed the keys to Knox.

Knox walked over and got on. “Let’s go.”

I laughed but sat behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. The engine roared, and he took off. I smiled as the wind rippled past. We were heading towards a rather large workshop with walls made of ribbed metal.

We pulled up in front of it, and Knox took a key ring from his pocket and pressed a button. The garage door opened, and he drove us inside and parked the bike. I slid off and looked around. There were at least six cars in a massive, oversized shop.

I didn’t know much about cars, but I knew these were older. He waved his hands at them. “These are all my projects. Restored classics.”

“Wow,” I breathed as I ran my hand along the top of the nearest shiny red car.

“Sloane,” he said. I turned to look at him. He was standing close, his expression unreadable.

“Yes?” I said cautiously.

He stepped closer. So close I could smell the soap from his morning shower. His hazel eyes were scanning my face. He reached out, cupping my chin in his hand.

My pulse quickened as he held my gaze.

“That was really stupid,” he breathed. “What you did.”

I swallowed. “I want to go home.”

“Remember when my brother caught us in the library?” he asked. His hand had moved from my chin to my shoulder.

I nodded.

“Last night scared me and made me regret not giving in,” he said, his hand now falling to my waist.

“I told you, I was sorry-” I began.

But he didn’t let me finish. He was lifting me onto the trunk of the red car. He was moving fast, his hands slipping under my dress and reaching for my panties.

I shivered as his warm hand slid along the skin of my thigh. Then I shifted so he could pull them off.

He spread my legs apart and stood between them, his eyes on my face. “Just a taste.”

“Your brother,” I said. But my voice broke, because my core was already aching.

“Forget my brother,” he said. Then he brought his thumb to my vagina and slid it inside. He worked it in and out of me, and I felt my clit beginning to swell and throb.

Then he pulled his thumb away and bent forward, placing his head in front of my entrance. He gripped my thighs and brought his tongue to my clit.

I soon felt warm velvet as his wet tongue flicked against my clit. I moaned and reached out to grip his hair.

“Oh God…” I moaned. I looked down to see his head moving up and down as he licked, his fingers gripping even tighter to my thighs. I could hear the sounds of his tongue lapping at my clit over and over again.

He slid a finger into my vagina again and began working it back and forth as he continued to lick. I whimpered and tugged on his hair. Now he had two fingers inside.

He continued his motions as I closed my eyes, my body finally relaxing as my pleasure mounted. Then I felt myself clenching and tightening around his fingers as my orgasm came.

“Fuck!” I screamed as the pleasure took over my body. It only caused him to lick faster. To push his fingers in deeper. After I exploded, I felt his tongue at my entrance. He was lapping up the moisture that had spilled from me.

My body twitched as he continued to flick his tongue, and my orgasm came to a stop.

I sat there, legs still spread open, trying to catch my breath. Trying to come to terms with being eaten out on a classic car.

By one of my kidnappers.

He looked up at me and smiled, wiping his wet mouth with the back of his hand. Then he took me by the waist and brought me to the ground.

He pressed my back against the trunk, leaned down and then brought his lips to mine. My mouth opened instinctively, and our tongues met. I could taste myself. He pressed against me even harder, our tongues swirling around one another.

I felt his erection press against my stomach. Then he leaned back, brushing his lips against mine. “Did you like tasting yourself?”

I nodded.

“Sloane,” he said, his fingers now grazing the side of my cheek.

“Yes?” I said, enjoying the warm tingle of his skin against mine.

“I want to fuck you,” he said, his eyes dark.

I blinked. “Your brother. Honestly, this should not have happened.”

“I spoke to him,” he said with a smile.

“What?” I laughed. “What do you mean?”

“He said you can do whatever you want,” he shrugged. “He said you make your own choices.”

“Oh, that’s rich coming from him,” I cackled.

I heard ringing, and Knox sighed and stepped away from me before pulling his phone out and answering it.

“Hi,” he answered before listening to the person on the other end. “We’re in the shop. She needed a break, Rowe. Come on.”

He rolled his eyes as he looked at me before responding, “Sure, see you in a second.”

He sighed and put his phone in his pocket. “Rowe is driving over. He needs to chat to us.”

I groaned. “I really don’t want to work on the code today.”

A few moments later, the garage door opened, and Rowe appeared on a motorcycle. I then remembered that my panties were still on the ground and used my foot to kick them under the car.

He parked the bike and slid off. He looked at Knox before his eyes landed on me.

“Any progress?” he asked.

My stomach turned. “Nope. Sorry.”

“I never expected it to be fast,” he shrugged.

He walked past Knox and straight towards me, stopping just a few inches in front of me. He looked down at me. “Sleep well?”

What the fuck was going on?

He wore a crisp white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark trousers, and polished loafers. He was gorgeous.

“Uh—sure?” I said cautiously.

“Good,” he said, reaching for my waist with both hands.

I blinked. Confused.

Hadn’t last night been one of those “fuck it out of your system” sort of things?

“Did Knox warm you up?” he said, his voice dropping low. I looked over at Knox. He stood there, his face serious, watching us interact.

“I, um…” I stood still.

He reached out and pulled at the straps of my sundress, pulling them downwards. My breasts fell loose and free as I hadn’t worn a bra. My eyes widened as I looked up at him.

He let out a low laugh and pushed me back against the car again. “You still look so innocent,” he murmured. He reached up and gripped one of my breasts, his thumb rubbing along the top of it until it peaked.

“Incredible,” he said. Then he leaned forward and took my nipple in his mouth, his tongue flicking over the top of it. I let out a moan as I looked over at Knox. He was taking off his belt, his eyes on mine. I watched as his boxers fell to the floor. His cock sprang out.

Massive. Hard. Ready to go inside of me.

Rowe leaned back and then reached for the zipper at the back of my dress. He pulled it down and allowed the sundress to fall to the ground. My panties had been left on the ground earlier, so I now stood completely naked. Rowe stepped back. He undid his belt and allowed his pants and boxers to fall to the floor.

I now had two men with erect dicks standing in front of me.

And my pussy was soaked. I wanted them. Both of them.

Chapter 8

“Sit on top of there,” Rowe nodded towards a nearby workbench. The top of it was empty. I complied. I pulled myself up onto the bench, my legs dangling down.

Knox turned to Rowe, “You’ve already fucked her.”

Rowe replied, “You go.”

Knox approached me and positioned himself between my legs. His fingers slid up my inner thighs; they were still sticky from earlier. He pulled them apart. Then, his hands reached up to grope my breasts.

“What a body,” he breathed. Then he brought the tip of his dick to my entrance. I tightened my legs around him. He didn’t hesitate. He simply pushed inside. I sighed as he entered me, enjoying the warm sensation of being filled.

“Someone’s excited,” Knox said, turning to Rowe.

“Yeah, she gets really wet,” Rowe said, stepping closer to us. “She has an amazing pussy.”

Knox pushed deeper inside of me and groaned, “I can see that. Wow.”

I moaned as his big cock sank deeper into my wet core. I felt a flicker of pain in my nipple and looked down to see that Rowe was nipping at it. His other hand reached for my other breast, groping at it as Knox continued his movements. I felt Knox place a finger on my clit. He rubbed in small circles as he moved in and out of me.

“Oh God!” I screamed. It was all too much. The groping. The clit rubbing. The fucking. The biting.

I felt myself tighten around Knox’s cock.

He chuckled, “Oh, she likes it. Don’t you baby?”

I could only moan in response, my mouth dropping open, head tilted back, my eyes on the ceiling.

They both stopped their movements, and Knox gently pushed me backwards, so I was lying flat on the workbench. Then he repositioned himself between my legs but brought my ankles to his shoulders. He groaned as he re-entered me, his hands tightly gripping my ankles.

“Fuck she is so tight,” he moaned. Then he began moving harder. Faster. My breasts began bouncing up and down as he moved, my moans of pleasure growing louder. The wood of the table bit at my skin as he fucked me.

He continued to pound into me. It was painful, but still pleasurable. The position had allowed him to push even deeper into me.

“My turn,” I heard Rowe grunt. Knox slowed down and then pulled out of me. Rowe was now between my legs. He looked down at me for only a fleeting second before he pushed inside.

He didn’t hesitate to start fucking me hard and fast. Like an animal. His eyes were on my bouncing breasts.

“S-so-so…big,” I managed to croak. His movements were causing me pain as well. Not that I minded. God, it felt good.

I felt Knox’s hand tuck strands of hair behind my ear, “You’re doing a great job taking his cock Sloane.”

“You’re ours now,” I heard Rowe grunt as he plunged into me. My eyes closed as the pleasure took over me.

“And no one is to touch you,” Knox continued as he began rubbing my clit.

Rowe came to a stop and moved away. Knox was back, now pushing deep inside of me again. Several moments passed as they rotated. I took each big cock, one at a time. The wood of the table had rubbed the skin of my back raw.

I didn’t care.

Finally, as Knox was on his third rotation, I felt his dick throbbing, and then I felt the explosion. He pulled away, his cum dripping out of me.

I sat up long enough to see Rowe at a sink wetting a paper towel. He handed it to Knox who helped clean me up.

I hissed as the cold paper towel touched my sore pussy.

“She’s had a lot of cock in her with last night and today,” Knox said as Rowe placed himself between my legs again.

Rowe looked down at me, “She can handle it.”

He was right. I opened my legs even wider and he smiled, “Good girl. Have some more.”

I laid back, aching for him to fuck me again. Then he pushed in and we moaned together. He pumped into me until my pussy began tightening around his cock.

“F-f..fuck!” I screamed. Then I exploded around him.

“God,” he hissed. “That pussy baby.”

Then he came, his warm cum filling me up as my orgasm peaked. When he was done, he let out a grunt as he slid out of me. I felt the cold paper towel on my pussy again and saw Knox doing another clean-up.

I sat up, the room spinning slightly. I blinked.

What had just happened?

Rowe was already heading towards his bike. He nodded at me before he slid onto it and took off. Without even saying goodbye.

I turned to Knox from my position on the workbench. He walked over and smiled, then reached down to run a finger along my labia.

“Does that hurt?” he asked. I nodded.

He leaned down and planted a few light kisses on my sore opening. Gentle and light. I shivered.

Then he leaned back and reached for my clothing. We both got dressed and got back onto his bike. We took off and headed back towards the mansion.

---

The next morning, I laid in bed, my eyes glued to the ceiling.

My mind flickered back to Luca, Axel and Adrian. They had vetted me. Known who I was when they fucked me. They had always known that they would promote me, get me close to them.

For their own personal gain.

And if I didn’t help them with their underground dark network-what did they plan to do to me? What if I did not want to be a criminal and help them?

It was all pretty fucked up.

They had me crack the BD Systems software as a test, to see if I could help secure their dark network later on. To see if I could help them keep criminal activity a secret.

Then there were the brothers. They’d kidnapped me and then fucked me, as if they were marking me. They were using me for my coding skills too. But one thing was certain-they had been honest from the start. Except for the part where Rowe had backed down on his promise to let me go after I signed the contract.

I sat up and sighed before showering, brushing my teeth and slipping on fresh clothes, a t-shirt and jeans. I made my way down to the breakfast table. Knox sat in front of a plate piled with…

“Prosciutto and burrata with grilled peaches and basil oil,” Knox said with a smile. He pointed at my plate. “Don’t worry, Martha made you eggs and bacon.”

I smiled back and walked toward my chair. But he reached for me and pulled me towards him, placing me in his lap. His mouth was on my neck, his lips brushing the surface of my skin.

“Good morning,” he murmured. I leaned back against him, the warmth of his body sinking into mine. I felt his hand slip to the button of my jeans.

“Maybe not now,” I laughed. “Martha might come in.”

He ignored me and tugged on the button of my jeans. Then he slid his hand inside.

“Open up,” he whispered.

I spread my legs, and his fingers found my pussy. He rubbed the top of my clit, and I sighed. “You like that?” he whispered.

“Yes,” I whispered back.

“Relax, let it happen,” he whispered.

He continued his motions, and I relaxed my body as I leaned back against him. I felt my clit swell as my panties grew wetter. His other hand slipped under my shirt and beneath my bra. He groped at my breast as he continued.

“Come on baby,” he said against my neck. “For me.”

Then I felt it. After just a few moments. The orgasm. My mouth dropped open, but his other hand was quick. He shoved his fingers into my mouth as he let out a small laugh. It muffled my moan of pleasure as he continued to rub my clit until I finished, my panties and jeans now damp. My breathing coming in short, sharp bursts.

He ran his fingers along my throbbing pussy and chuckled, “You liked it.”

Then he pulled his hands out of my shirt and pants. I sat on his lap for a second, trying to compose myself. Then I stood and turned to him as I re-did the button on my pants.

“Martha could have come in,” I laughed. He only shrugged and licked one of his fingers clean.

Chapter 9

I made my way over to my plate of food and sat down. I blinked.

What the hell was I doing?

“Let me guess,” Knox laughed, picking up his fork. “Never had a sporadic orgasm at the breakfast table before?”

I shook my head as my cheeks burned red, “No.”

“Good morning”

It was Rowe. He had just entered the dining room. He sat in his usual chair, and Martha appeared like magic with his breakfast plate. But his eyes were on me.

“Good morning,” I replied.

“Martha,” he said without looking at her, “Please give us privacy for the remainder of breakfast.”

Martha nodded and disappeared.

“When were you planning on telling us?” he said flatly.

My stomach dropped, “Tell you what.”

“That you found a crack in their system.” Knox said casually as he took a sip of coffee.

He had known? Yet he had still done that to me as soon as I walked in?

“Are you going to kill me?” I asked. The words slipped out faster than I could manage.

Knox froze mid-sip.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Rowe asked. “I checked over your movements this morning.”

My mind raced for an answer. One that would satisfy him.

“I thought if I did, you’d send me home.” I lied quickly. “And I wanted to stay just a bit longer.” The truth was that I didn’t know if I should protect the other men or not. I had not decided. Everything was still so confusing.

Rowe stared at me for a moment before responding, “You need to update me on everything and anything. Moving forward.”

“Moving forward?” I said. “I proved I can do it. I proved I will do it. So now, I can go home. I was meant to go home after I signed the contract, remember?”

“He has memory lapses,” Knox snorted.

“I trust you less, now that you hid this from us,” he said, standing to his feet. “I don’t believe your excuse either. I am disappointed Sloane.”

I stood to my feet as well, “You were dishonest too. You didn’t keep your end of the deal.”

He stepped towards me, until we were only a few inches apart, “Do you not like it here Sloane? Why are you so desperate to return?”

He moved even closer. I stepped back until my back hit the wall.

“You live in a mansion. You have a maid at your service,” he said, voice low and deadly. “You’re getting paid for your work. You wear designer clothes.”

His hand cupped my chin, forcing me to look at him.

“You get fucked like a queen too,” he said.

I swallowed.

“Get a taste of this life Sloane,” he said. “This could be your future. With me.”

“I don’t want a life of crime Rowe,” I said, my voice breaking.

He smiled and brushed his lips against mine. He leaned back and peered into my eyes, “Sweetheart, you’re already a criminal.”

He released his grip on me and stepped back, his hands reaching for his belt. He turned back to look at Knox.

“Give us a minute,” he said before turning back to me.

Knox winked at me and exited the room.

Within seconds, Rowe’s boxers and jeans were on the floor and he was sitting on his chair. He nodded at his erection, “Sit on it.”

I laughed, “You can’t just order me around.”

He reached for his cock, lightly stroking it as he stared at me. “You don’t want me to fuck you?”

I swallowed. But I remained where I was.

“Suit yourself,” he shrugged, still holding himself as he watched me.

My pussy was still wet from Knox. God, it was tempting. His big, smooth…

Damnit.

I walked forward. He said nothing, he just watched me. I approached him and turned away from him, my back facing him. I unbuttoned my jeans and pulled them down, kicking them away. I felt his hand reach out and pull my panties to the side, revealing my still-slick opening.

“Mmm…” he murmured as he pulled me downward, guiding me towards his smooth, thickness. He helped me move down further, as his tip began sliding in.

I let out a soft moan.

“There she is,” he laughed lightly as he guided me further downwards. He began to fill me but I stopped partway, the pain of my sore pussy causing me to hesitate.

“Take your time,” he said gently. He guided me up and down, only allowing half of his cock to go inside of me. My legs were on either side of his legs as I squatted down onto him.

“It’s too big,” I whispered. “And I’m sore.” I stopped momentarily.

“You’ll be ok once I’m all the way in darling,” he said, pulling me down again. “Relax.” I allowed him to pull me all the way down.

“Oh God,” I moaned as I sank all the way down. His thickness filled me completely, the walls of my vagina tight around him.

Then he helped guide me back up again. Then I began to move. Slowly. Squatting onto him over and over again, his hands still firm around my waist.

My motions continued as I felt my moisture pour from me, my thighs now burning. I was moving on my own, his hands gripping and massaging my breasts. He let out a low moan and I turned back to look at him. He was watching himself move in and out of me.

“What a perfect pussy,” he said. Then he grabbed my waist and jerked me downwards. Hard. Fast.

I shrieked in surprise. He laughed and then pulled me up and down. With his help, I began slamming down onto his hard cock.

“Let me see that ass bounce Sloane,” he moaned, his fingernails biting at my skin.

“S-s-so big, god, I can’t-” I moaned. I couldn’t speak.

Then I felt his warm liquid fill me as my own orgasm ripped through my body. He continued to pull on me. I squatted up and down on his dick as we both finished.

He pulled on me, so he was still firmly inside of me. I slowed my breathing as I felt him tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Now Sloane,” he said, his hands reaching for my tits again. He twisted one of my nipples, sharp pain radiating throughout me. I sucked in. “What did we learn?”

“To tell you things immediately,” I said, my voice rough.

“Good girl,” he said, releasing his grip on me.

I slowly stood. I heard a sloshing sound as I pulled myself from his lap.

“Soaking,” he said. “God, you’re perfect.”

I pulled my panties back into place and put my jeans back on. I turned to see him putting his own clothing on as well. His face was no longer pleasure filled. It was back to the same old stern, serious expression.

Then he left the room without looking back. Same as always.

And I stood there wondering what the hell was going on with me.

---

I heard a sharp knock on my door and sprung upwards.

I blinked in the darkness and looked over at the window. The moon was still out. Still half awake and severely confused, I stumbled to the door and opened it. It was Knox.

“What the hell Knox?” I yawned, squinting my eyes at him. “Why are you here?”

“Rowe needs you,” he said quietly. “I’ll walk you to his office.”

I stepped into the hall. Knox’s gaze travelled from my head to my feet.

“Sexy nightie.” He murmured. I was wearing a nightie that I had found in the closet. It was low-cut and white with lace on the hem and neckline.

He reached out and brushed the top of my bare breasts with his fingertips. My nipples perked up immediately, poking through the thin silk of the nightie.

“Damnit,” he hissed. “I really want to fuck you right now, but it’s not a good time.”

He tugged on my arm, “Come on.” I ignored the sensation to climb him like a tree and complied. He left me at Rowe’s office door with a smile. I knocked.

“Come in,” Rowe’s voice boomed.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Sam stood a few feet in front of the desk, his eyes on the ground. Something was off about him. His posture was rigid. He seemed scared.

He shifted slightly. His left hand stayed behind, stuck in the same position.

Then he moved again, and I saw it. One finger was gone.

My stomach sank, but I didn’t look away.

Chapter 10

Rowe leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Sam.

“Go on,” Rowe said calmly. “You have something to say.”

Sam lifted his gaze to me. Both eyes were swollen. He had multiple bruises on both cheeks. When he spoke, his voice was weak.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “For the other night.”

Rowe stiffened. “That wasn’t an apology.”

Sam took a deep breath and started over. “I apologise,” he corrected. “For touching you without permission. For frightening you. For disrespecting you.”

Rowe didn’t look at me. He kept his attention on Sam. “And?”

“And for disrespecting you,” Sam added.

Rowe smiled. “Much better.”

I studied Sam closely now. The bravado was gone. All stripped away.

“Do you understand why you did the wrong thing?” Rowe asked.

“Yes,” Sam said quickly.

“Tell her why.’

“I crossed a line,” he said. “She wasn’t available. She wasn’t interested. And even if she had been…” His voice broke. “She’s under your protection.”

“Good,” he said. “You’re learning.”

Rowe leaned forward slightly. “You will not speak to her unless spoken to. You will not look at her. You will not be in the same room as her, unless I allow it. Are we clear?”

“Yes,” Sam said.

Rowe finally looked at me.

“Are we clear?” he asked.

I nodded, my pulse loud in my ears.

“Good,” Rowe said.

He gestured toward the door. “Get out.”

Sam didn’t hesitate. He turned and left, the door closing behind him.

The room went still. It was completely quiet. I couldn’t move. My feet were glued firmly to the ground. Only then did I realise my hands were shaking.

Rowe watched me for a moment, as if he were studying my reaction.

“No one touches what’s mine,” he said quietly.

“You didn’t need to do all that,” I responded. I probably should have shut up. But of course it came tumbling out.

“Yes, I did,” Rowe said sternly, “It wasn’t just you he disrespected. It was myself, and Knox. The behaviour you allow is the behaviour you expect to see Sloane.”

He gestured for me to approach him, “Come here darling.”

I willed myself to move towards him and made my way over to where he sat. He stood to his feet and looked down at me, “I could have killed him. But I knew you might not like that.” He reached for my face and gently dragged his fingers along the side of my cheek.

“Come to bed with me,” he said gently.

I looked up at him, ignoring his request, “Is that what you would typically do? Kill him?”

“Yes,” Rowe said, still stroking my cheek. “Everyone was informed that you were under my protection before they attended the dinner. He fucked with the wrong woman.”

“What does it mean to be under your protection?” I asked.

“It means you’re under the Don’s protection,” he chuckled. “That means if you do anything to harm that person, well…you’re dead.”

“Don?” I tilted my head. “What does that mean?”

“So innocent,” he muttered, his fingers tugging at the lace on the hem of my nightie. “Come to bed with me, Sloane.”

I sighed, “When can I go home?”

His hand froze, his eyes going dark. “You know what? Let me show you something.”

Rowe sat behind his desk and opened the top drawer, pulling out a stack of file folders. I sat across from him, my eyes following his movements.

Then he opened the first one and slid it across the desk, towards me. At the top of the first page inside was a photograph.

Axel Lockridge.

“Old money,” he said.

I didn’t respond; I just skimmed the file with my eyes. What was this?

I read bits and pieces, my heart thudding in my chest. There were facts about Axel and his family. Oil money. Generational wealth. Bankruptcy filings. Asset seizures.

“For three generations, the Lockridge family spent their money instead of building it or investing wisely,” Rowe said. “Three generations of men who used money that they never earned, to live lavishly.”

I swallowed.

“He was the first smart one for quite some time,” Rowe continued. “Two Ivy League degrees. Law and Cybersecurity.”

“He became useful,” Rowe said. “The kind of useful that rich people pay for.”

He flipped the page.

Judges. CEOs. Politicians. Names that I had only ever seen on the news or on social media.

Rowe continued. “He erased. He fixed.”

“And when the money came,” he said, “he invested it properly. Wisely. He bought back old shares and reopened closed oil facilities. The oil started flowing in again.”

Rowe closed the file. “He rebuilt it with blood money. Impressively.”

He opened the second folder and slid it towards me. Another familiar face appeared.

Luca Hernandez.

“His family made their wealth from European real estate,” Rowe said. “Generational wealth again but with lavish estates that survived wars.”

“He didn’t need money,” Rowe said. “He needed stimulation because he got bored with women and alcohol.”

He glanced up at me. “Luca studied cybersecurity in Europe at a top-tier school.”

He shut the file. Then he reached for the last one. For a moment, he hesitated, his hand hovering over it. But he still opened it and slid it towards me.

Adrian Drake.

My chest tightened.

“Poverty,” Rowe said.

The file was thicker and messier than the others. Pages were marked with countless sticky notes and were littered with pen marks and highlights.

“He flew through school and graduated early. He was offered a full university scholarship at fifteen,” he continued. “Too brilliant for his own good.”

I stared at what appeared to be an arrest report. I sucked in as a mugshot of a young Adrian appeared.

“His parents were addicts who never recovered. Adrian grew up in safe houses and in tents on sidewalks. He hacked the Lockridge’s bank account and stole two hundred thousand dollars,” Rowe said. “He was attending the university at that time.”

“He went to juvenile detention and lost his scholarship,” he continued.

Rowe said. “In court when Axel went to the sentencing with his family, he met Adrian. Axel was older, eighteen at the time. He was impressed by Adrian and took him under his wing, despite what he had done.”

He leaned forward.

“They built BD Systems together,” he said.

I looked up at him.

“And you?” he asked quietly. “Do you think Adrian would choose you over survival?”

My stomach sank but I could only stare back at him in silence.

Rowe leaned back and folded his hands together. “I’m not asking you to hate them,” he said. “I’m telling you who they are.”

“I don’t know what to say,” I stuttered, “I-”

“Adrian,” Rowe said slowly. “I think you have feelings for him. Maybe all three of them. But definitely Adrian.”

I swallowed, “You don’t know anything.”

“Come to bed with me then Sloane,” he said gently.

---

I followed Rowe through a series of hallways until we came to two large wooden doors. He pushed them open, revealing a massive bedroom. There were tall glass windows with deep red velvet curtains. A large four-poster bed filled the room and a full set of leather furniture filled the remainder of the space.

I could see that there was a conjoining bathroom from where I stood.

“This could be an entire house,” I breathed. “It’s bigger than my apartment.”

He shut the doors behind us and pulled on me, turning me to face him.

“Undress,” he said.

I smiled and stepped back, reaching for the straps of the nightie. I tugged them free, allowing it to fall to the floor and revealing my naked body.

“Goddess,” he breathed. He undressed himself as I watched. Revealing his large muscular frame and flawless skin. He was already fully erect.

He stepped forward and looked down at me, “Sloane, were you protecting those men when you lied to me?”

My body stiffened. “W-what?” I sputtered.

“I think you were hiding the fact that you broke the code,” he reached forward and rubbed his thumb along the surface of my nipple. It peaked and then he reached for my other nipple and did the same.

“I don’t know what you mean,” I said with a hard swallow. I tried to ignore the sensations that trickled down to my core as he touched me.

“It’s ok Sloane,” he said quietly. “That’s one thing about you. You’re loyal.”

He walked to his bed and sat on the edge, “Come here.”

I followed and stood in front of him.

“Turn around,” he ordered. “Don’t face me.”

I turned away.

“Ride my cock again,” he said. I felt his large hands reach for my waist and he pulled me back towards him. “I’ll fuck the loyalty into you.”

Maybe I was insane. But he was turning me on. I was already soaking and aching to be fucked again. I sank down, onto his lap. His large, erect cock slid inside of me.